California wildfires: Death toll rises to 16

At least 16 people have died in California wildfires. The fires are still spreading and the death toll is expected to rise. The Los Angeles fire has burned 39,000 acres (15,783 ha), destroying more than 12,000 buildings and entire communities.

About 180,000 people were evacuated in Southern California. The city declared a state of emergency, saying smoke and particulate matter posed a serious health risk. The Los Angeles County sheriff reported 13 people missing.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the fire was caused by a water shortage and a downed power line from Edison International. The economic damage from the fire is estimated at $135-150 billion.

US President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in the state. He has allocated additional federal aid to fight the fires and ordered the dispatch of more than 400 firefighters and more than 30 pieces of specialized equipment to Southern California.